Tyrese Haliburton has been learning a lot throughout his injury rehab this season for the Indiana Pacers. While he gets his body back to full health, the star guard has been keeping an eye on one Los Angeles Lakers star who is making $53,827,872 under his current contract.
Tyrese Haliburton Singles Out Lakers Guard As Model of Physical Play
Haliburton is at least halfway through his recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury will keep him out for the entire 2025-26 NBA campaign, presenting a major weakness for the Pacers amid their current struggles. Haliburton has remained active, supporting his teammates on the sidelines while making strides in his recovery.
The star guard joined as a special guest on the “Mind The Game” podcast, which LeBron James hosts. The duo went over multiple topics throughout the Jan. 27 episode, including players who Haliburton views as willing to be physical with opposing defenders. He first named Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard before listing Lakers guard Austin Reaves as the perfect player for that label.
“I think AR is like the perfect example, the way that he is so physical and can get to the free throw line. I remember when we were at the [2023 FIBA] World Cup together, I used to always be like, ‘bro, I don’t understand how you shoot all these free throws. Like I’m a point guard. I play 40 minutes a game. I play way more than you. I can’t even touch the free throw line,'” Haliburton said.
Not being able to play has forced @Hali to become a true student of the game.
Watch Tyrese Haliburton Pt. 1, out now on our YouTube. Link in bio. pic.twitter.com/qvpRhwfRF1
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) January 27, 2026
“He’s like, ‘Tyrese, I don’t think you’re doing a good job of getting the guy’s bodies.’ He was really honest with me, and I didn’t understand at the time. But as I’ve watched you guys play more, watched him play more, I’m seeing the way that he’s just does such a great job of getting the chest tangling arms, like making such all these like perfect reads to get to the free time. That’s just something that I’m really trying to focus on adding through rehab,” added the 25-year-old guard.
What Lies Ahead for Haliburton and Pacers?
Haliburton certainly recognizes Reaves’ talent. Not only is Reaves a skilled scorer, but he is also a strong player who is not afraid to absorb contact from defenders. It might be a trait that Haliburton can embrace when he returns to the hardwood for the Pacers next season.
In the meantime, Indiana continues its difficult campaign without its franchise star. The team has an 11-36 record and sits in the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is above the Washington Wizards but is behind the Brooklyn Nets by 2.5 games and the Charlotte Hornets by eight games.
The Pacers recently concluded a five-game road trip as they begin a four-game homestand. They host the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. ET and the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. ET.
